https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/ https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/regent-seven-seas-cruises-appoints-steve-odell-chief-sales-officer/ <p>MIAMI, January 12, 2024 – Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury cruise line, announced today the appointment of Steve Odell to the position of Chief Sales Officer, effective January 15, 2024. Odell will be responsible for the world class sales organization including maximizing opportunities across all booking distribution channels and deepening valued travel partner relationships. In his new role, Odell will report directly to Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.</p>
<p>Odell rejoins Regent and brings with him a wealth of experience in the luxury travel industry having most recently tenured for Regent as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Asia Pacific region for seven years.</p>
<p>“I’m thrilled to welcome Steve back into the Regent family, whose insight, knowledge and contacts within the luxury travel space will continue to allow us to position Regent for long-term success,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Steve will be supported by an already strong team of sales leaders as we aim to empower and invest in our valued travel partners around the globe as together we take Regent to new heights.”</p>
<p>“I couldn’t be happier to be returning to Regent at such an exciting time for the brand having just launched the sixth ship of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet, Seven Seas Grandeur,” stated Steve Odell, Chief Sales Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “The growth of the Regent fleet represents a tremendous opportunity for our fantastic Travel Advisors around the world and I look forward to growing our luxury cruise business together.”</p>
<p>A cruise industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, Odell joined Regent in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of the Company’s Asia Pacific business across all three Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ brands. In 2019, Odell transitioned to focus on the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth of the Company’s presence in the Asia Pacific market solely for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.</p>
<p>“Having worked with Steve for many years I know the breadth of knowledge and  experience he will bring to this role, paying dividends for both Regent and our valued Travel Partners as we provide their clients with An Unrivaled Experience,” said Shawn Tubman, Senior Vice President of Sales North America for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “With Steve’s strong luxury travel acumen supporting our global sales strategy and the appetite for luxury cruising continuing to grow, it’s a great time for Travel Advisors to take advantage of the opportunities we offer, especially our generous Upgrade Your Horizon 2-category suite upgrade and low deposit offer.”</p>
<p>“I’m delighted to see Steve return to Regent having worked with him closely in his previous roles with the Company, and I am certain he will make significant contributions to the mutual success of Regent and our valued Travel Partners,” added Caroline Smith, Managing Director, International, for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.</p>
<p>For more information, Travel Advisors should visit RSSC.com/AGENT, or call 1-844-4REGENT (1-844-873-2381). About Regent Seven Seas Cruises®</p>
<p>Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is the leading luxury cruise line, delivering An Unrivaled Experience® for over 30 years. Carrying no more than 746 guests, the line’s spacious and stylish ships - Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Navigator®, Seven Seas Splendor®, Seven Seas Voyager® and from 2023 Seven Seas Grandeur™ - form The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ and explore more than 500 immersive destinations<br/> globally. Offering Unrivaled Space at Sea®, guests enjoy sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea, as well as highly personalized service throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces. Unique to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unlimited complimentary shore excursions are available in every port, making it the only truly all-inclusive cruise line. Voyage fares also include round-trip business-class air on intercontinental flights from the U.S. and Canada, gourmet cuisine in a range of specialty restaurants and al- fresco dining venues, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, free valet laundry, gratuities, ground transfers and one-night, pre-cruise hotel packages for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher. For more information, please visit RSSC.com, call 1.844.873.2381 or contact a professional travel advisor. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.</p> Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:08:16 +0000 https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/regent-seven-seas-cruises-appoints-steve-odell-chief-sales-officer/ https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/p-and-o-cruises-announces-40-night-caribbean-sailing/ <p><strong>The cruise calls at La Coru</strong><strong>ñ</strong><strong>a; Madeira; St Kitts; Guadeloupe; St Lucia; Grenada; St Vincent; Barbados and more.</strong><strong> </strong> </p>
<p>Two new cruises to the Caribbean and Portugal and Canary Islands<strong> </strong>on P&O’s Aurora, designed exclusively for adults, are now on sale. Departing February 22, 2022, <em>Aurora</em> will sailing from, and return to Southampton, in a 40-night itinerary that explores the Caribbean.</p>
<p>Prices start at £2,149 per person with 16 ports of call including La Coruña; Madeira; St Kitts; Guadeloupe; St Lucia; Grenada; St Vincent; Barbados; Bonaire; Curaçao; Aruba; Dominica; Tortola; St Maarten; Antigua and Tenerife. </p>
<p><em>Aurora</em> will return to Roseau, Dominica for the first time in almost a decade and will visit Aruba and Guadeloupe for the first time in four years.</p>
<p><em>Aurora</em> will also visit Portugal and the Canary Islands for 12 nights, departing April 1, 2022, with inside cabins from £599 per person. Departing from and returning to Southampton, ports of call are La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Lisbon. </p>
<p>A third guest in the same cabin can travel from £199 on both new <em>Aurora</em> holidays. Guests also have the opportunity to spread the cost monthly at no additional cost if desired.</p> Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:45:42 +0000 https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/p-and-o-cruises-announces-40-night-caribbean-sailing/ https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/cuba-cruise-set-to-reopen/ <p><strong>With Biden in the White House cruise lines could return to Cuba as early as next year, reports suggest</strong> </p>
<p>Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, speaking at the International Cruise Summit in Madrid has suggested that Cuba sailings could restart soon.  </p>
<p align="center"><img src="https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600338-Cuba-Cruise-2.png" width="600" height="338" alt="" title=""/></p>
<p>"Cuba was a very important part of our itineraries," he said. “We hope that, with the new administration, that will open up again. It was very good for our industry, and we look forward to being back in Cuba." </p>
<p>McAlpin stated that Cuba would be an ideal close-to-home destination for cruises based out of Florida. </p>
<p align="center"><img src="https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600338-Cuba-Cruise-3.png" width="600" height="338" alt="" title=""/></p>
<p>"In the short run, before there is a vaccine that is going to be readily available, I think there will be a shift in demand for ports close to home," said McAlpin. "It puts a lot of pressure on places like the Bahamas when you're sailing out of Miami. It puts pressure on places like Key West. Key West just had a referendum vote on banning cruise lines; that is being challenged in the courts." </p>
<p>"Things change. As one port closes down, others open. We're optimistic about Cuba. I think that's a great opportunity for the entire industry." </p>
<p>Cruises to Cuba had resumed from the United States in 2016 after a 57-year absence - but were halted by the Trump administration last year.</p>
<p align="center"><img src="https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/_resampled/resizedimage600334-Cuba-Cruise-4.png" width="600" height="334" alt="" title=""/></p> Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:33:28 +0000 https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/cuba-cruise-set-to-reopen/ https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/30m-investment-into-antigua-cruise-port-is-just-the-start/ <p><strong>Another $27m planned to upgrade shopping facilities, Heritage Quay Mall and other port-side businesses.</strong></p>
<p>With completion of the $30m Oasis-class berth at St. John's, Antigua Cruise Port, the authority has confirmed that it’s next area of focus is the $2m upgrade of Heritage Quay Shopping Mall and the $25m commercial development at Pointe.</p>
<p>Plans include new retail and food and beverage facilities, plus an additional 50,000 square feet of commercial space to be leased to Antiguans and Barbudans.</p>
<p>This expansion will create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs and looks set to have a significant positive impact on the community.</p>
<p>The creation of St John's fifth berth has seen a buzz throughout the Caribbean sector now that the island canaccommodatethe biggest cruise vessels.</p>
<p>'Based on our current projections, we estimate that some 285,000 passengers could visit Antigua between October and December of 2021, depending on when cruising resumes,' said Dona Regis-Prosper, GM of <a href="https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news-headlines/antigua-positions-itself-capitalize-cruise-growth">AntiguaCruisePort</a>.</p> Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:39:07 +0000 https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/30m-investment-into-antigua-cruise-port-is-just-the-start/ https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/saint-lucia-party-atmosphere-welcomes-cruise/ <p>The first cruise ship arrived into Saint Lucia since the Covid-19 pandemic earlier, greeted with celebrations and fanfare. Celebrity Millennium arrived at Pointe Seraphine at 7:40 with 414 passengers, to the sounds of steel pan music and a masquerade depicting a mini carnival.</p>
<p>Prime minister, Allen Chastanet, tourism minister, Dominic Fedee, and captain Theodoros Zakkas of Celebrity Millennium exchanged plaques commemorating the resumption of cruise services to the island.</p>
<p>Three Saint Lucian nationals employed with Celebrity Millennium expressed the joy of being back home and back at their cruise ship jobs.</p>
<p>“The resumption of cruise service is cause for celebration and illustrates our tremendous partnership with the cruise industry.</p>
<p>“Welcoming the first cruise ship to Port Castries in the summer speaks volumes for our trajectory,” said Fedee.</p>
<p>Lucky passengers were surprised on arrival with gifts including branded Saint Lucia keepsakes.</p>
<p>Accommodation providers including Cap Maison, Bay Gardens Resorts, Coco Palm, Fond Doux and Justin Apartments gifted passengers with return stay packages</p>
<p align="center"><img src="https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/assets/SaintLucia-2.png" width="600" height="400" alt="" title=""/></p>
<p>The cruise guests were met with a full complement of health protocols, conducted in a newly erected facility at the Pointe Seraphine complex.</p> Thu, 08 Jul 2021 11:33:07 +0000 https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/saint-lucia-party-atmosphere-welcomes-cruise/ https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/u-s-virgin-islands-solidifies-relationship-with-cruise-lines/ <p><strong style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (center) listens attentively to cruise line executives in San Juan last week.</span></strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: #222222;"> </span></p>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Commissioner Joseph Boschulte upbeat about plans for the cruise sector</span></em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 27, 2019) - The U.S. Virgin Islands continues to strengthen its relationship with cruise line partners as the region prepares for the strong growth forecast for the cruise ship industry.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Speaking at the annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show, USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. reported that the delegation gathered much valuable information about the evolving form of the massive cruise industry. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Governor added that the USVI delegation, which included Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte, his team at the Department of Tourism and representatives from The West Indian Company Limited and the Virgin Islands Port Authority, was so well briefed by the cruise industry leaders that they can confidently plan how the Territory should further respond to the needs of the changing marine sector.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Underscoring the timeliness of the meetings, the Governor said that with friendly competition throughout the region and the world, the face-to-face sessions were "a good checkup on our health to see what we're doing right and most importantly, what we're not doing enough of."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sustained infrastructural investment was continuing apace, stated Governor Bryan, adding that dredging projects, the addition of a new port in the Charlotte Amalie harbor, the improvements on Main Street and the upland plans for Crown Bay were important developments for ensuring the Virgin Islands product was trending alongside cruise sector growth.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Governor also stressed the importance of regional collaboration with its neighbors. The USVI delegation attended the meeting alongside several Caribbean heads of government,  including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie, and Prime Minister of St. Lucia Allen Chastanet.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=dab0193c7f&attid=0.1.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1648831218513184796&th=16e1d341e20d881c&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-e_MWiD7houyNAcYCgn0TbP_gU_PELwZNM52EWnSRnQerXAcA3j1hZtcdRw6O4DjY-WPpqG61PZMrjxZSfiXDo8NcmP5p-qAhNJd3IcQhTxWT1vRyiehPU470&disp=emb"/></div>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Orlando Ashford, President of Holland America Line (second from right), talks cruise tourism with (pictured clockwise) Commissioner Boschulte, WICO board member Jason Charles, and Governor Bryan.</span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br/></span></strong></p>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Governor Bryan said areas of opportunity include responding to demand from the European market as well as revitalizing the visitor experience. He also said it was important to collaborate with the federal authorities: "Working through our visa issues with the U.S. Government to allow those (international) passengers to disembark very quickly and enjoy our islands, brings a whole new flock of tourists that have never been (to the USVI) for the first time, not only to enjoy their daytime experience but to come back again and enjoy overnight stays."</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Governor also referred to the need to rebalance the industry: "We have a very mature tourism product in St. Thomas and we have an emerging market in St. Croix (and) St. John. (We must determine) how do we combine those things in the right way that not only gives us the spend that we want, but also attracts the type of customer that's going to have the vacation that they want in the U.S. Virgin Islands."</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">During the convention, representatives from Coral World Ocean Park, Cruise Ship Excursions, Island Networks, Leatherback Brewing Company, Pirates Treasure Museum, Skyride To Paradise Point, and the Virgin Islands 'Bush Tea Lady', featured their products and attractions.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Commissioner Boschulte led an interactive session with Virgin Islands operators and cruise line executives to help strengthen the bonds between the cruise industry and the Territory's private sector. "We are very satisfied with our progress on bolstering this very important cruise pillar," the Commissioner stated, thanking private sector partners and especially his tourism team for all that they do in delivering an exceptional experience to visitors to the Territory. "We have a lot of work to do, and look forward to elevating our game in the weeks and months ahead."</span></div>
</div>
</div> Fri, 01 Nov 2019 05:39:41 +0000 https://caribbeanworld-magazine.com/caribbean-world-cruises/news/u-s-virgin-islands-solidifies-relationship-with-cruise-lines/